ES2796951A1 - INTELLIGENT DEVICE FOR WASTE CONTAINERS, WASTE CONTAINER THAT INCORPORATES IT AND OPERATING METHOD OF THE WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES THEM (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Smart device for waste containers, waste container that incorporates it and the operating method of the waste management system that includes them. The present invention refers to an intelligent device installed in containers or similar elements arranged for the storage of waste, which allows an identification of the user who deposits the waste, as well as the detection of the waste management action carried out, both for the management of the waste introduced, such as the enhancement of user action and the best configuration of the global selective waste collection structure, using for this a device that is coupled to existing containers of new design, with a system for reading codes/graphics for the identification of waste usually introduced of the container type; and using vibration absorbing means to minimize the impact of the impacts and vibrations produced in the container emptying processes. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

INTELLIGENT DEVICE FOR WASTE CONTAINERS, INCORPORATED WASTE CONTAINER AND SYSTEM OPERATION METHOD

OF WASTE MANAGEMENT THAT INCLUDES THEM

The present invention refers to an intelligent device installed in containers or similar elements arranged for the storage of waste, which allows an identification of the user who deposits the waste, as well as the detection of the waste management action carried out, both for the management of the waste introduced, such as the enhancement of user action and the best configuration of the global selective waste collection structure.

Background of the invention

The need to increase the amount and proportion of urban waste that is managed selectively, with environmental objectives that each day have to be more ambitious in order to reduce and minimize the environmental impact of the large amount of waste, has made the phase of traditional collection of user waste, is a phase that currently does not add the necessary value to the management chain.

In Europe, more than 84 million tons of packaging waste are produced annually, about 165 kg per citizen. In contrast, we have that although the recycling percentages have been increasing in recent years, in Europe around 36.4 % of household packaging is still dumped or incinerated, with 11 million tons incinerated and 18 million tons dumped. These global results vary by country and specific material, taking for example that only 39.8% of plastic packaging is recycled in the EU, while plastic packaging recycling rates are 25.5% in France and 27.4% in Hungary, respectively. It is the intention of the Administrations to increase these percentages, using European Directives, such as Directive 2018/852, with the aim of reaching 55% of the recycling rate of plastic packaging in 2030, which would be more than double of the current recycling rate.

Currently, packaging waste has a high impact on the environment, since it must be taken into account that 0.591 kg of CO ² is generated for every kg of packaging waste dumped, which produces 10.64 million tons of CO ² . This packaging management does not recovered for recycling requires a large allocation of resources, with a potential market value of 209 euros for each ton of unrecovered packaging waste fractions, as well as 80 euros for each ton of landfill, creating losses of 5,199 million euros . For this reason, it has become crucial to organize waste collection systems, to recover such waste, value it and, most importantly, encourage recycling.

So far, at the level of urban waste collection containers available and permanently accessible to the general user, only the process of emptying the containers has been improved, having containers that have sensors for filling the container itself, from of which container filling data can be provided to a management system and, therefore, thus optimizing container emptying routes and the number of emptying actions.

On the other hand, to incentivize the consumer user of products with recyclable packaging, strategies such as the reward for proper waste management are known, especially and specifically waste corresponding to packaging and / or glass, they have been proposed and exist for motivate and encourage the selective management of this type of waste. These strategies have been implemented in shops where specific devices have been designed. These systems make it necessary to confirm the correct insertion of the inserted waste, as well as the correct identification of the type of product.

For the detection of the waste introduced, optical detection systems are known that involve a specific configuration and of relevant cost that makes, of this solution for the confirmation of the correct identification of the waste, an impediment in its implantation.

The realization of these attempts to add value in the collection of user waste in containers, have made it necessary to devise, create and invest in new equipment that requires an initial outlay that makes it difficult to launch the implementation strategy in the management of urban waste, as well as a disposal of existing related products.

Due to the previous technical complications necessary to carry out the constitution and configuration of an intelligent container, it is necessary that the emptying processes associated with said new containers be new and much more delicate, since the habitual movements made in the emptying by collection trucks of the conventional containers, could hurt and create a malfunction in said existing improved containers. These new collection systems make the adaptation or introduction of known smart containers in the currently established urban waste collection systems very expensive.

Description of the invention

The objective of the present invention is to provide an intelligent device for waste containers, as well as to provide a waste container that contains it and an operating method of the waste management system that includes them, which manages to solve the aforementioned drawbacks. , presenting other advantages that will be described below.

In accordance with this objective, according to a first aspect, the present invention is based on an intelligent device for waste containers, of which they are installed in said containers or in their associated external structures, having elements of the intelligent device for fixing the container , as well as means of identification and / or communication with the users of said container and means of generation and storage of electrical energy.

The present invention is characterized by the fact that the smart device comprises, at least:

- a device for starting the active operation of the device;

- one or more code / graphic readers, at least for the waste to be introduced;

- one or more volume detectors for detecting the entry of the waste into the container; - a processing and control system with wireless communication means with an external server for user management and scheduling of emptying containers; and - a shock and vibration absorption system at the junction between the smart device and the waste container in which it is installed

It must be taken into account that in the present description of the invention both the walls of an independent conventional container have been considered analogous and that it does not have any external auxiliary structure to contain one or more containers, as well as said auxiliary structures that allow install the smart device and place the waste in the desired container.

This configuration is further characterized in that the starting device activates the code / graphic readers and volume detectors, which start from a standby mode of operation or off with minimal electrical consumption.

This arrangement makes it possible to have an intelligent device capable of being coupled to existing containers or included in newly designed containers, thanks to a configuration that performs the necessary functions of user identification, detection and identification of the waste introduced and communication with an external server, of an energy efficient way that allows to have a set powered by its own power generation system, such as solar panels, requiring smaller batteries than those used by other smart containers known in the state of the art, and that the make it much more expensive.

This advantageous energy saving, thanks to the incorporation of a starting device for the code / graphic readers and volume detectors, which start from a standby mode of operation or off with minimal electrical consumption.

When the activation of the readers and detectors, from any of the starting devices, is carried out starting from the code / graphic readers and volume detectors at rest, so that they are activated by sending pulses from the processing means and control towards said reading and detection elements. It must be taken into account that a reader can consume between 56 and 132 mA in operating mode, with a voltage of 3.3 V and that, in this way, in standby it has a consumption between 1 mA and 5 mA, with which that the energy saving is between 90-99%.

When the activation of the readers and detectors, from any of the starting devices, is carried out starting with the code / graphic readers and volume detectors turned off, so that they remain activated, a trigger is used to that when the residue passes through the detection zone of the starting devices, the sensors are activated directly. In this case, the consumptions are still lower than said savings percentages, since the readers and detectors turned off with their ignition by means of a trigger, is between 0.001 mA and 0.002 mA.

With this the approximate calculation, according to theoretical statistics, the device will work for 2.5 hours per day, calculating that there are 300 people per container with 40 containers to be recycled per person month and 23 seconds for each recycled container, with a daily consumption of 1.4 W, which is contributed by the batteries included and by an autonomous power generation, as preferably a solar panel, which will allow the supply life of The batteries lengthen it considerably in time.

The use of code / graphic readers of the waste, which are mainly containers with their corresponding barcode, allows the easy identification of the waste thanks to the barcode databases, with which with said reading it is possible to have a complete description of the type, size and other characteristics of the waste that is introduced, saving as a whole the costs and complexity of the identification system of the waste introduced.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the code / graphic readers are installed in at least part of the waste inlet mouth into the container, or around said inlet mouth in the area closest to it, said readers focused towards said mouth, integrating the device compactly in said location.

This makes it possible to have a device coupled to a container with a minimal variation of the usual and known configuration thereof, which allows its adaptation to conventional containers, having a compact device that is installed completely, preferably in a single body. Once the assembly has been completed, with all its components in the area of the waste inlet mouth, with part of the smart device in said mouth, such as the activation devices and code / graphic readers, and another internal part such as the volume detectors and optionally processing and control systems, which could also be located outside the container shell.

Alternatively, the code / graphic readers are installed outside the container, outside the inlet for the waste into the container, as well as outside the area closest to said inlet.

This makes it possible to have an embodiment in which the reading of the codes / graphics of the waste is carried out in an action different from the introduction into the container, the reading being prior and not simultaneous to said introduction action. This implementation could have reliability problems since it cannot be confirmed that the identified waste is the same as the one is introduced. In the same way and preferably, this embodiment would comprise a compact intelligent device forming a single body once assembled, although it consists of two assembly parts, one exterior and one interior.

With regard to the starting devices of the electronic devices of the intelligent device that are in rest in a usual way, it is optionally necessary, the starting device is carried out by a manual push-button element connected to the processing and control system.

This option makes it possible to dispense with sensors intended exclusively for the presence of a body entering the container or the reader, although it implies contact with the smart device itself installed in the container, which in this type of waste container users prefer to avoid .

This type of pressing can be done through a simple push-button element or through a display screen element and user interaction commands.

Regarding the starting devices, we have that preferably, the starting device is made by a system for detecting the presence of a body close to the smart device.

This configuration allows avoiding user contact with the container and the smart device, and simply being able to activate readers and detectors when a body is detected in the vicinity of the code / graphic readers, which means that there is a possible introduction of a residue . This configuration also allows, together with the participation of volume detectors, an additional functionality such as the confirmation that the waste read by the device has been introduced into the container and there has not been an attempt to deceive or theft in which After the reading, it is extracted from the container, since if the entry to the container is not confirmed by the interior volume detector and the presence detector detects the disappearance of the read body, this reading is canceled.

Presence detectors are usually based on infrared detectors, although other known sensors / detectors can be used.

Another possible option of starting devices is carried out by a communication system with a mobile device such as a mobile phone, tablet or identification card, using RFID, WIFI and / or Bluetooth wireless technology.

This option allows to have realizations that, when the user uses a device that has wireless technology for identification in the smart device, said smart device performs the user identification and activates the processing and control system, which in turn activates the corresponding readers and sensors to proceed with the residue reading. This startup mode through the wireless connection between the user and the smart device, can be additional or alternative to other startup devices, such as those described by means of presence detection or by the code / graphic readers themselves, which also they can be additional to each other or alternative in a specific embodiment of the smart device.

As indicated, this communication configuration between the mobile device and the smart device installed in the container, performs the identification of the user by the device through the communication established with the mobile device.

This communication, optionally, but preferentially, means that the means of communication with the external user management server and container emptying programming is carried out indirectly through the connection with the user's mobile device that has been used for identification.

This advantageously achieves significant savings in the energy consumption of the device, since preferably a Bluetooth connection for low electrical consumption (BLE) is used, which can replace the alternative and / or complementary communication of a direct communication module of the device. intelligent device with the server, which would normally use a GSM or NB IOT module with much higher consumption than the connection with the user's device. This provided that the user's device has GSM, NB IOT or similar communication to be able to send it to the external server.

The savings for each connection is 200 mA (IOT narrow band) or 1000 mA in GSM (3G-4G) against the 20 mA of Bluetooth Low Energy. This, added to the use of low-consumption processing means, embedded software and the use of start-up devices that allow considerable energy savings, has allowed the design of a product optimized which allows, with this advantageous configuration, to simplify components and battery sizes and their maintenance, which leads to having in the present intelligent device a more economical configuration than known devices.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the volume detector is an ultrasound sensor. This ultrasonic detection allows to have the waste entering the container reliably and with low electricity consumption and thus confirm that the same body that has been read is inserted, in the case of having a presence detector and code reading / graphic in the inlet. In alternative embodiments and for a specific waste typology that is not transparent, the volume detector could be a laser device.

Also preferably, the volume detector, whether by ultrasound sensor or similar alternatives, is located inside the container facing the waste inlet to the container, as well as towards the inside of said container to measure turn the fill level of said container.

This configuration makes it possible to have the same element for confirming the entry of the product because it is focused towards the entrance mouth of the waste, as well as detecting the existing level because it is focused towards the inside of the container, understood as a direction towards the center of the container from its installation point with the necessary inclination to be able to confirm the entry of the waste.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the smart device has at least three code / graphics readers in an arc portion piece corresponding to the location at or around the waste inlet mouth of the container.

This embodiment makes it possible to have an accumulation of code / graphics readers in a portion of the inlet opening to, on the one hand, allow the waste code to be read more broadly, only directing it towards the area covered by said arc of readers, and on the other hand reduce costs that would imply the installation of reading modes in 360 °.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the smart device has between three and five code / graphics readers in a 360 ° ring corresponding to the location on the waste inlet to the container, or around it.

This embodiment allows to have a distribution of code / graphic readers around the entire perimeter of the inlet, in which thanks to 90 ° coverage readings and its homogeneous distribution, it is possible to have enough with three readers, forcing the user in the worst case to have to make a minimum rotation of the residue to find a coverage area of the reading. The installation of 5 readers would ensure a direct and fast reading, since they would cover the 360 ° of the inlet with a safety margin, without having to make the user orient or rotate the residue to be read.

In the previous case, in which the invention is configured so that the code / graphics reader is focused towards an area not associated with the waste inlet to the container, the user identification means are formed by the code reader / graphics focused on an area not associated with the waste inlet to the container.

In this way, in this embodiment, the device can carry out the identification of the user in an alternative or complementary way to other means, using a code or graphic associated with the user for identification, without having to provide additional means for said identification.

Preferably in the invention, the processing and control system is connected to and governs the electronic devices that make up the intelligent device, also collecting and storing data provided by said devices, as well as having a communication module with the user and / or the external server.

These electronic devices connected or in communication with the processing and control system include the starting devices, presence detectors, push buttons and / or displays, as well as the means that are used to activate devices in standby or off; code / graphics readers; volume detectors; the device's accelerometer or tilt sensor; the battery and the means of supplying / generating electrical energy; and the means of communication with the user's mobile device and / or external server.

The electronic devices listed above are governed and / or They send data to the processing and control system in order to execute the operating method that will be indicated later.

Preferably, the shock and vibration absorption system is formed by a chamber for attachment to the container with the contact points of the device with the container made by one or more layers of shock and vibration absorption material.

This allows for integration in conventional containers or in newly designed containers with traditional collection by dumping, minimizing the impacts and vibrations produced in said emptying actions and, therefore, minimizing the adverse effects on electronic components and detection / reading.

For layers of shock and vibration absorbing material, such as EPS expanded polyethylene foam with a density of 10 kg / m3, impact reductions of 25% are achieved, as has been tested and can be seen in the graph Next, in which the vibration in Newton is shown where the upper graph corresponds to a sensor located in the container and the lower graph corresponds to a sensor located in the device with the shock and vibration absorption chamber.

Also preferably, in an additional and / or complementary way, the shock and vibration absorption system has a camera internal to the smart device in which the electronic devices are located, without said electronic devices being in contact with faces of the device itself cleverly creating an air gap wrapping these indoor electronic devices.

This chamber allows a better thermal insulation of the interior of the container, since very high temperatures can be produced in climatic conditions of direct contact with the sun's rays and a warm environment.

Optionally, although preferably, the smart device has an accelerometer connected to the processing and control system to turn off the electronic devices in the event that the container passes a certain inclination, which will mean that it is in the emptying process. and, therefore, more likely to impact and vibrate.

This makes it possible to switch off the electronic and measuring / reading devices to minimize the consequences of impacts and vibrations to which the container is subjected when emptying. Furthermore, as this system allows recognizing the moment in which the emptying process is carried out, it will allow to have and communicate the data of the exact moment of said emptying.

According to a second aspect, the present invention proposes a waste container characterized by the fact that it incorporates an intelligent device for identifying users and detecting and identifying waste to be managed, as indicated in the previous characteristics of the present description.

This achieves the affordable introduction of an intelligent management system both in existing containers and in newly created containers. The advantageous application to existing containers, without having to make the global investment in renovating the fleet of containers already purchased, allows by means of the intelligent device, in its preferably compact mode and fixed to the container in its different explained variants, to adapt them for an intelligent use of waste management and be able to take advantage of the information obtained in its use, for a better organization of the routes and optimization of collection resources, as well as a better determination of the location of the containers depending on their use, or even the management of the users for your incentive.

According to a third aspect, the present invention proposes a method of operating the waste management system that includes the smart device for waste containers and said containers, of those indicated in the previous characteristics.

This method is characterized by the fact that the system has, at least, the following steps:

to. The smart device installed in each of the containers, which has the code / graphic readers and volume detectors at rest, is activated by means of one of the startup devices.

b. The user identifies himself prior to or after the introduction of the waste in the container, associating the data of the waste entered with said user. c. The user introduces the waste through the mouth of the container after reading the codes / graphics of the waste itself by the device's readers.

d. The volume detector confirms the introduction of the waste into the container or cancels it if it does not confirm the fall of the waste into the container through its mouth. and. The data of the user and the introduction of waste in the container, is temporarily stored to be sent to an external server or is sent directly through the connection to said server.

F. The volume detector also detects in each use of the device, the volume available to notify its collection.

g. The data is sent to the external server for user management and container emptying scheduling on the optimized route of the containers.

By means of this method, the waste collection and management system allows to have an optimized system in terms of energy consumption, both for the elements used in its configuration, as well as for the rest or shutdown of the reading and detection devices and its subsequent start-up by the means described, as well as by the alternative communication system with the external server, used in stage (g) that can use communication with the user's mobile device to send the data of the user input of waste, as well as the status of the device and container itself (filling, battery level, emptying detections, etc.).

Preferably, as a possible embodiment of the invention, once the waste code has been read, the device makes a warning to leave said container in the container, so that, in the event that the user wants to remove the container, the presence detector detects the extraction situation and qualifies the introduction of the identified container as null, while, in the event that the user introduces the waste into the container, the volume detector detects the entry of the container, accounting for the introduction and validating the recycled waste.

This operating mode allows to minimize the fraudulent use of the proposed waste management system, which is based on the correct identification of the user, waste and ensuring its correct introduction into the container for subsequent management.

User management includes, among other summary data of the activity, and other possible uses, the incorporation of reward / motivation incentives to increase the correct recycling of waste, either in the form of municipal or alternative discounts, as well as exchange points / checks, etc.

In this regard, we have to install this smart device allowing interaction with citizens, providing feedback on recycling habits thanks to the identification of the user and the packaging that is being recycled, which allows defining and implementing a reward mechanism. positive for the user. The incentive portfolio generates a certain value for each packaging with the aim of increasing packaging recycling by 15%, amortizing the incentives provided quickly since it would mean approximately 150,000 euros per 100,000 inhabitants, thanks to the material that is sent to recycle and it will not end up in an improperly managed landfill.

As has been said, this database is capable of collecting all the information generated during the recycling process, the material, the places and the time of use of the users, as well as each user identification, etc., which does It is possible to create an individual environmental folder per citizen where these incentives will be accumulated thanks to their recycling actions.

Finally, and in accordance with a fourth aspect, the present invention proposes a computer program characterized in that it comprises the corresponding programming code adapted to the execution of the steps described in the previous method.

Brief description of the figures

For a better understanding of what has been explained, some drawings are attached in which, schematically and only as a non-limiting example, a practical case of embodiment is represented.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an intelligent device installed in the waste inlet of a waste container, according to a possible device embodiment.

Figure 2 is a front elevation view of an arc-shaped smart device, partially covering the inlet mouth, according to a possible device embodiment.

Figure 3 is a side elevation view of an arc-shaped intelligent device, partially covering the inlet mouth, according to a possible embodiment of the device identical to that of figure 2.

Figure 4 is a side elevation view with transparency of its outer walls, of an intelligent device in the form of an arc, partially covering the inlet mouth, according to a possible embodiment of a device with a configuration similar to that of figure 3.

Figure 5 is a front elevation view of a circular-shaped smart device, with full coverage of the inlet mouth, according to a possible device embodiment.

Figure 6 is a partial side sectional view of an intelligent push-button device installed on the side wall of the container in a manner not associated with the waste inlet, according to a possible device embodiment.

Figure 7 is a side elevation view with transparency of its outer walls, of an intelligent push-button device, according to a possible device embodiment.

Description of a preferred embodiment

Next, various embodiments of the smart device for waste containers, the waste container that incorporates it and the method of operation of the waste management system that includes them, of the present invention are described, with reference to the figures indicated above.

According to a preferred embodiment, and as can be seen in Figure 1, the smart device (10) is installed in a conventional waste container (20), remaining located in the waste inlet mouth (21). The smart device (10) is made made of fiberglass or plastic, allowing optimum resistance to theft, optimum resistance to outdoor environmental conditions, and optimum fire resistance, as well as good properties as a thermal insulator, protecting the components from the eventual high temperatures that the container (20) under the sun.

This smart device (10) is compact, as can be seen in Figures 2, 3 and 4, forming a single body once assembled, which includes all the characteristic elements necessary for its operation. The body of the smart device (10) has an outer part (11), which is coupled to the waste inlet (21), and an inner part (12) that remains inside the container (20), said two remaining parts joined to one another, forming a single body, once the smart device (10) is installed in the mouth (21) of the container. The entire assembly is fixed in a solid way to the area of the container (20) where said waste inlet mouth (21) is located, leaving the corresponding area of the container (20) fixed between said part (11) and the interior part ( 12).

In alternative embodiments, in which the smart device (10) is integrated from its initial design into a container (20) designed to incorporate it, a device (10) can be arranged in a single piece that is partly inside and partly on the outside, although it is preferred in two parts that are integrated into a single body to facilitate assembly. Also in alternative embodiments, the smart device can be arranged in a separate set of elements with the essential placement of its components in the points that are necessary for its correct operation, but without the need to form a single body.

On the outside (11) of the smart device (10), it partially covers the mouth (21) forming an arc of circumference. In said outer part (11) there is the presence detector (13) that acts in the present embodiment as a possible starting device for electronic devices that are at rest. In addition to this, there are three code / graphic readers (14) that are installed along the arc that forms the outer part (11) of the smart device (10) and that focus towards the axis of the mouth (21) of entry of waste, to be able to read the code of waste, plastic and / or glass containers in this case.

With respect to this embodiment, you can alternatively have a number of readers (14) that go from only one, having the user perform the orientation of the container to deposit in the container towards the only reader (14), or more readers (14) that allow covering the arc of the outer part (11), depending on the angle of coverage of the installed readers (14).

In the interior part (12) is the ultrasound sensor (15), as a volume detector, which allows to determine if the container inserted and read by the readers (14), has been completely inserted and deposited inside the container (20).

Also in the interior part (12) of the intelligent device (10), there is the processing and control system, based on a microcontroller, as well as the electrical supply battery, as well as the connection of the same to the means of self-generation of electrical energy, as in the present case are solar panels installed in the container (20) itself, said microcontroller not having been graphed, nor the battery, nor the solar panels.

In this embodiment, it is possible to alternatively have a different distribution of the elements arranged in the inner part (12) without any relevant affectation, with the exception of the ultrasound sensor which, for the correct confirmation of the introduction of the container, should be kept in the inner part (12) of the smart device (10).

In the present embodiment, the user identification means can be various in a complementary manner, such as reading a code associated with the user by means of the code readers; or the wireless communication of a mobile device or RFID card, with a microprocessor communication module, which will preferably use Bluetooth low energy (BLE) to be able to communicate and identify the user.

The microprocessor of the smart device (10) has a communication module of the GSM and / or WiFi type for its direct connection to a server from which the information of the user and the container fleet (20) is managed, as well as the collection / emptying route of said containers (20).

In a complementary way, the microprocessor uses the connection with the user's mobile device to indirectly send information to the external server through the application with which the mobile device connects to the smart device (10).

In alternative embodiments, you can have a single communication system with the server, which alternately uses only one of the two above.

The smart device (10) is fixed to the container (20) using conventional fixing elements, having a layer of low-density expanded polyethylene material of 10 kg / m3, which forms a layer (16) for absorption of the vibrations in the surfaces in contact with the parts of the container (20).

In addition to this layer (16) of low-density foam, there is an air space (17) around the electronic components, that is, the microprocessor of the processing and control system, creating an air space that thermally insulates said electronics, from the material that forms the body of the smart device (10).

In the usual operation of the container (20) with the intelligent device (10) installed, we have that the readers (14) and the sensors (15) are in rest, with a minimum electrical consumption, around 1 to 5 mA. When the user arrives at the container (20) either by connecting with the user's mobile phone to the smart device (10), for identification, or alternatively by any of the other means of identification available, such as the RFID card, for example , the microprocessor is in charge of activating said readers (14) and sensors (15) so that the user can insert packages into the container (20) and such waste can be identified.

In an alternative and / or complementary manner, the smart device (10) can wake up from its rest state at the moment that the presence detector (13) detects a body in the vicinity of the mouth (21) of the container (20).

In the present case, there is an upper reading arc where the user must orient the barcode or QR code on the container, so that it can be read. Once read, the information is sent to the microprocessor that stores it and then links it to the user who is identified and sends it to the user management platform, together with a status of the container, if there is any maintenance characteristic altered.

Once the container code has been read, an acoustic signal and a led warn that said container can be dropped into the container (20). In the event that the user wants to remove the container, the presence detector, in this embodiment an infrared sensor, detects the situation and counts the introduction of the identified container as null. In the event that the user insert the container into the container (20), the ultrasound sensor (15) detects the entry of the container, accounting for the introduction and validating the recycled container.

As indicated, if the user identification has been made using a telephone or mobile device that incorporates a connection to the telecommunications network, the information on the user's waste management operation is stopped to be sent to the external server, together with the container state data (20). This energy saving due to the use of BLE with respect to the use of GSM or NB IOT communication, is fundamental in the duration of the batteries and therefore in the efficient and low cost dimensioning of this communication module of the device (10) intelligent, as has been argued above in the description of the invention.

Otherwise, the communication module with GSM, NB IOT or similar is used to send it directly.

Once the waste management operation is finished, the smart device (10) goes back into standby to save energy.

Within user management, in addition to the incentive of the user for its continuous correct management of waste and its maximization, there is a calculation of use and quantity of waste management, being able to determine a better location of the containers (20) within the area where they are installed. Other types of procedures, conclusions and calculations can be carried out with the data obtained advantageously with the present invention, since the data sent from the barcodes allows the identification of the product managed as waste, having associated data on the type of material of the container, volume, etc.

Among the parameters that can be sent to the external server, is the container filling data (20) that is determined by the products entered and the type of product detected in its barcode and directly by means of the sensor itself of ultrasound (15) that detects a considerable filling level, which allows, by sending this data to the server, notify the container emptying service (20) so that it is included in the emptying route, and said route remains optimized.

In a complementary way, thanks to the obtaining of said data corresponding to the usual and / or periodically introduced waste, its type and physical characteristics (volume and weight) the filling moment can be predicted, which are contrasted with the ultrasound sensor (15).

In the emptying operation, which is carried out in the traditional way of lifting and dumping the container (20) by the collection truck, as it is done in a way that produces numerous impacts, shocks and vibrations, at the moment that the container (20) reaches a specific inclination, as the intelligent device (10) has an accelerometer, not shown in the figures, the microprocessor switches off the electronics to avoid damage to the electronic components that may be turned on.

As an alternative to this invention, it is possible to have an external part (11) of the smart device (100) in which it can have the same or identical configuration in the rest of the smart device (100), but having three detectors in 360 ° surrounding the mouth (21) of the container, as can be seen in figure 5. This configuration allows the code or graphic of the waste to be read in any position that is inserted into said mouth (21), having to perform a small turn of the same, between 30 ° and 90 °, so that said code is read in the worst case.

Within this 360 ° configuration, alternatively there could be 5 or more readers (14) that cover with their reading coverage angle, which in this case is 90 °, the entire entry perimeter of the barcode or graphic of the container to be read.

Alternatively, it is used in an embodiment, as can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, in which an intelligent device (200) is used that is not associated with the reading of the waste code in the same mouth, Otherwise, said device is installed on one of the side or upper walls of the container (20), according to its geometry, so that the waste can be passed through the only reader (13) that is available and then passed to deposit inside it. The input is confirmed with an internal ultrasound sensor (15), but without being able to carry out the confirmation that could be carried out in the previous embodiments, with respect to the fact that the waste introduced is the same as that read by the readers (14).

This alternative intelligent device (200) can have a complementary or alternative starting system for electronic devices at rest, such as a push button in the form of a push button (210), or as a push screen and interaction with the user, no represented in the figures.

Although reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is evident to an expert in the field that the smart device for waste containers, as well as the waste container that incorporates it and the method of operation of the management system The residues that include them, described are susceptible of numerous variations and modifications, and that all the mentioned details can be replaced by other technically equivalent ones, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims (21)

1. Intelligent device for waste containers, of those that are installed in said containers or in their associated external structures, having elements of the intelligent device for fixing to the container, as well as means of identification and / or communication with the users of said container and its own means for generating and storing electrical energy, characterized in that the smart device comprises, at least: - a device for starting the active operation of the device; - one or more code / graphic readers, at least for the waste to be introduced; - one or more volume detectors for detecting the entry of the waste into the container; - a processing and control system with wireless communication means with an external server for user management and scheduling of emptying containers; and - a shock and vibration absorption system at the junction between the smart device and the waste container in which it is installed; wherein the starting device activates the code / graphic readers and volume detectors, which start from a standby mode of operation or off with minimal electrical consumption. 2. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 1, wherein the code / graphic readers are installed in at least part of the entrance mouth of the waste into the container, or around said entrance mouth in its area closest to it, said readers focused towards said mouth, integrating the device in a compact way at said location. 3. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 1, wherein the code / graphic readers are installed on the outside of the container, outside of the waste entry mouth into the container, as well as outside the area closest to said entrance mouth. 4. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 1, wherein the starting device is performed by a manual push-button element connected to the processing and control system. 5. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 1, wherein the starting device is made by a system for detecting the presence of a body close to the smart device. 6. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 1, wherein the starting device is performed by a communication system with a mobile device such as mobile phone, tablet or identification card, using RFID wireless technology and / or Bluetooth. 7. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 6, wherein the identification of the user by the device is carried out through the communication established with the mobile device. 8. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 1, wherein the volume detector is an ultrasound sensor. 9. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 1 or 8, wherein the volume detector is located inside the container facing the waste inlet to the container, as well as towards the inside of said container. container to measure the fill level of said container. 10. Smart device for waste containers, according to claim 2, wherein the smart device has at least three code / graphic readers in a piece of arc portion corresponding to the location in the waste inlet mouth to the container, or around it. 11. Smart device for waste containers, according to claim 2, wherein the smart device has between three and five code / graphic readers in a 360 ° ring corresponding to the location in the waste inlet to the container, or around it. 12. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 3, wherein the means of identifying the user are formed by the code / graphic reader focused on an area not associated with the waste inlet to the container. 13. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 1, wherein the processing and control system is connected and governs the electronic devices that make up the intelligent device, also carrying out the collection and storage of data provided by said devices, as well as having a communication module with the user and / or the external server. 14. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 1, wherein the shock and vibration absorption system is formed by a chamber for fixing the container with the contact points of the device with the container made by one or more layers of shock and vibration absorbing material. 15. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 1 or 14, wherein the shock and vibration absorption system has an internal chamber to the intelligent device in which the electronic devices are located, without the said devices being in contact. electronic devices with faces of the smart device itself creating an air gap wrapping these interior electronic devices. 16. Smart device for waste containers, according to claim 1, wherein the smart device has an accelerometer connected to the processing and control system for turning off the electronic devices in the event that the container goes from an incline determined which will mean that it is in the emptying process and, therefore, more likely to impact and vibrate. 17. Intelligent device for waste containers, according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the means of communication with the external server for user management and container emptying programming is performed indirectly through the connection with the user's mobile device that has been used for identification. 18. Waste container, characterized by the fact that it incorporates an intelligent device for identifying users and detecting and identifying waste to be managed, as indicated in claims 1 to 17. 19. Method of operation of the waste management system that includes the intelligent device for waste containers and said containers, of those indicated in claims 1 to 18, characterized by the fact that the system has, at least, the following steps: to. The smart device installed in each of the containers, which has the code / graphic readers and volume detectors at rest, is activated by means of one of the startup devices. b. The user identifies himself prior to or after the introduction of the waste in the container, associating the data of the waste entered with said user. c. The user introduces the waste through the mouth of the container after reading the codes / graphics of the waste itself by the device's readers. d. The volume detector confirms the introduction of the waste into the container or cancels it if it does not confirm the fall of the waste into the container through its mouth. and. The user data and the introduction of waste in the container is temporarily stored to be subsequently sent to an external server or it is sent directly through the connection to said server. F. The volume detector also detects in each use of the device, the volume available to notify its collection. g. The data is sent to the external server for user management and container emptying scheduling on the optimized route of the containers. 20. Operating method of the waste management system, according to claim 20, wherein once the waste code has been read, a notice is made to leave said container in the container, so that, in the In the event that the user wants to remove the container, the presence detector detects the extraction situation and qualifies the introduction of the identified container as null, while, in the case that the user introduces the residue into the container, the volume detector detects the entry of the container, accounting for the introduction and validating the recycled waste. 21. Computer program characterized by the fact that it comprises the corresponding programming code adapted to the execution of the steps described in claims 19 and 20.